Shoe With Exchangeable Upper

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear comprising a sole constructed for receiving a foot having a toe section and an ankle section with at least two loops fixedly attached to the toe section; an interchangeable upper, or several interchangeable uppers, having loops for securing the upper to the loops of the sole of the footwear; such uppers and soles attached by specialized clips adapted to facilitate a wide variety of advantages.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.13/269,329, filed 7 Oct. 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field to which this invention pertains is shoes with exchangeableuppers, which are typically women's shoes.

2. Description of Related Art

For the most part, shoes comprise a sole to protect the foot from theground; and uppers, or vamps; to secure the foot to the sole. Shoes areubiquitous, and a high value is often placed upon appearance. Ingeneral, the advantage of shoes with exchangeable uppers is that theappearance of the shoe can be adapted to best coordinate with the restof one's outfit: mixing and matching fabrics, colors, and styles intoaesthetically pleasing combinations. Additionally, the number of sole toupper combinations makes the transport and storage of a wider variety offootwear options easier.

Shoes with removable uppers are not novel to the apparel industry. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 7,810,253 (Barteet) and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.US2011/0056091 (Shmurack et al.) describe detachable shoe upper systemscurrently on the market. Barteet describes a system to affix the sole ofthe shoe to the uppers using snap fasteners, while Shmurack et al.describes a system to affix the sole of a shoe to the uppers using postsand loops. The disadvantages of both Barteet and Shmurack et al systemsare both aesthetic; as the snap, post, and loop fasteners are visibleand detract from the aesthetics of the shoe; and functional, as theprotruding snaps, posts, and loops can catch on external objects causingthe shoe to come apart and risk possible injury to the foot.

Both problems may be solved with a shoe whose fastener is aestheticallypleasing, durable, and secure.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

None of the particular objects or advantages that follow must beentirely satisfied as they are non-exclusive alternatives and at leastone of the following objects is met; accordingly, several objects andadvantages of the present invention are:

(a) to provide a means for attaching the sole of a shoe to an upper;

(b) to provide a means for attaching the sole of a shoe to an upper thatis aesthetically pleasing;

(c) to provide a means for attaching the sole of a shoe to an upper thatis durable;

(d) to provide a means for attaching the sole of a shoe to an upper thatallows the upper to be quickly and conveniently attached and detached;

(e) to provide a means for attaching the sole of a shoe to an upper thatis unlikely to accidentally catch on another object;

(f) to provide a means for attaching the sole of a shoe to an upper thatis itself capable of being used interchangeably between many shoe solesand uppers;

(g) to provide a means for attaching the sole of a shoe to an upper thatis capable of opening and closing;

(h) to provide a means for attaching the sole of a shoe to an upper thatis capable of remaining open or closed in a secured manner;

(i) to provide a means for attaching the sole of a shoe to an upper thatis cheaply and easily produced;

(j) to provide a means for attaching the sole of a shoe to an upper thatis itself capable of tightening or loosening the shoe upper to a sole;

(k) these and other objectives and advantages of the instant inventionwill become apparent from the following description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way ofillustration and example, certain embodiments of the instant invention.The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate variousobjects and features thereof

1. FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric perspective view of footwear with anexchangeable upper that is attached to a sole.

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric perspective view of footwear with anexchangeable upper that is detached from a sole.

FIG. 3 illustrates a clip with a snap closure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a clip with an oppositely threaded closure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a clip with overlapping design.

FIG. 6A illustrates a clip that screws open with a snap closure in theclosed position.

FIG. 6B illustrates a clip that screws open with a slide closure in theopen position.

FIG. 7A illustrates a clip that slides open with an oppositely threadedclosure in the closed position.

FIG. 7B illustrates a clip that slides open with an oppositely threadedclosure in the open position.

FIG. 8 illustrates a circular clip with a snap closure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a rectangular clip with a snap closure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a semi-circular clip with a snap closure.

FIG. 11A illustrates a clip with internal prong closures in the closedposition.

FIG. 11B illustrates a clip with internal prong closures in the openposition.

FIG. 12 illustrates a three prong clip with snap closures.

FIG. 13 illustrates a hinge and hook clip.

FIG. 14 illustrates a two prong clip with two hooks and a decorativeclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates a two prong clip with a hook closure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a clip with a bar closure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a circular clip with hinge and snap closure.

FIG. 18 is a side isometric drawing illustrating an eighteenthembodiment of the present invention, incorporating a loop and ringconnection system in a detached configuration.

FIG. 19 is a side isometric drawing illustrating the embodiment of FIG.18, in an attached configuration.

FIG. 20 is a side isometric drawing illustrating the embodiment of FIG.18, in a detached configuration with some of the loop attachments closedto form loops.

FIG. 21 is a side isometric drawing illustrating a nineteenth embodimentof the present invention, incorporating a variation on the loop and ringconnection system of FIGS. 18-20, in a detached configuration.

FIG. 22 is a side isometric drawing illustrating the embodiment of FIG.21, in an attached configuration.

FIG. 23A is a detailed side isometric drawing illustrating the loop andring connection system of FIGS. 21 and 22 in an attached configuration.

FIG. 23B is a detailed side isometric drawing illustrating the loop ofFIGS. 21 and 22 in a closed configuration apart from the ring.

FIG. 23C is a detailed side isometric drawing illustrating the loop andring connection system of FIGS. 21 and 22 in a detached configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.However, the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary and manyadditional embodiments of this invention are possible. For example, awedge shoe is pictured; however, this invention can be applied to mostfootwear. It is understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modificationsin the illustrated devices, and such further application of theprinciples of the invention as illustrated herein are contemplated aswould normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the inventionrelates.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g.,arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with thespecification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire writtendescription of this invention. As used in the following description, theterms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, aswell as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g.,“horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to theorientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawingfigure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly”generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis ofelongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

1. The Shoe

Shown throughout the figures, the instant invention is generallydirected toward attaching a sole of a piece of footwear to an upper. Anembodiment of such system of attaching the sole of a piece of footwearto an upper is illustrated in FIG. 1, said upper is illustrated asunattached in FIG. 2. The sole (20) of the footwear can be of any designused for the soles of footwear, including: wedges, heels, flats, etc.and is not limited to any specific design of a sole.

Attached to said sole of the footwear are loops (30) adapted to receivea clip, clasp, hook, carabiner; or other means of removable attachment(32). Additionally, the footwear comprises either one, or multiple,uppers, such as: an upper that secures the toe section (24); an upperthat secures the ankle section (26); or any upper that may attachanywhere to a sole (20), thereby securing the foot to said sole (20).This invention contemplates uppers that have loops (28) adapted toreceive a clip, clasp, hook, carabiner; or other means of removableattachment (32). The loops of both the sole (30) and of the uppers (28)can be made of any material so long as they are sturdy enough towithstand the wear and tear customary to footwear.

The third component of the footwear is a clip, clasp, hook, carabiner;or other means of removable attachment (32). Such clip can be made ofany durable material suitable to its purpose. The loops on the sole (30)and the loops on the uppers (28) are then connected with the clip,clasp, hook, carabiner; or other means of removable attachment (32)creating the complete shoe. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.2, the clip is shown with a hinge (36) that allows an arm (34) to pivotoutwardly when its opposite end containing a retention pin (40) isreleased from a socket (38) for fitting the opposing pin (40).

In general, the advantage of shoes with exchangeable uppers is that theappearance of the shoe can be adapted to best coordinate with the restof one's outfit; mixing and matching fabrics, colors, and styles intoaesthetically pleasing combinations. Additionally, the number of sole toupper combinations makes the transport and storage of a wider variety offootwear options easier. It is contemplated that the uppers, soles, andmeans of attachment of the two can be selected to coordinate with thewearer's wardrobe and can be made out of any suitable material.

2. The Clip, Clasp, Hook, Carabiner; or Other Means of RemovableAttachment of the Sole and Upper of the Footwear

This invention presents several improvements over the prior art in theclip, clasp, hook, carabiner; or other means of removable attachment ofthe sole of the footwear to the upper. FIGS. 3 through 17 illustratevarious improvements in the means for removable attachment of the soleof a piece of footwear to an upper.

FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a clip (32) with horizontallength x adapted to suit the length of the loops on the uppers and solesof the footwear and a vertical length y adapted to suit the thickness ofsaid loops. The vertical length y also determines the desired gapbetween said upper and sole loops within the clip. In this embodiment,the clip arm (34) opens outward and remains attached to the clip by ahinge (36). The arm of the clip (34) is located on the outward end ofthe clip which allows for opening of the arm (34) when the majority ofthe clip (32) is covered by the upper and sole loops of the footwear.This positioning of the arm of the clip (34) also allows the arm, andthereby the entire clip, to be easy extracted through said loops. Thisclip (32) can be locked into a closed position by pressing inwardly onthe hinged arm (34), which contains a retaining pin (40) that snaps intoa containing socket (38). The arm of the clip (34) can then be openedagain by pushing or pulling outwardly on the arm of the clip (34).Additionally, the arm (34) may be opened by pressing against an optionallever (42) adapted for applying a torque on the hinge (36), therebyopening the clip. Such optional lever (42) being capable of sliding intoa slot in the clip when the arm (34) is open, thereby facilitating easyremoval of the clip from the loops of the uppers and soles of thefootwear without said optional lever (42) impeding the removal of theclip. FIG. 4 is very similar to FIG. 3, with the exception that themeans for locking the clip closed is comprised of oppositely orientedthreaded regions on the clip (44) and arm (46) that screw together in acarabiner type fashion.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a clip (48). This embodiment issimilar to a paper clip in that the loops of the uppers and sole of thefootwear are threaded through an open recess in the clip (50) into aninner chamber within the clip defined by an upper portion of the clip(52) and a bottom portion of the clip (54). The paper clip type natureof the clip encircling itself then prevents the loops fromunintentionally leaving the inner chamber of the clip. This design canbe circular, or any other self-enclosing shape. The further the loops ofthe upper or lower are pushed into the spirals of the clip, the smallerthe gap between the upper and sole loops become, thereby tightening theshoe to the foot.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate another embodiment of a clip (56) that issimilar to FIG. 3, except that instead of having an arm (34) on a hinge(36), this embodiment has an arm (58) that rotates perpendicularly tothe horizontal axis of the clip. Such arm (58) is shown with a snapclosure (60), although it can be outfitted with a variety of closures;such as, but not limited to the closure illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 6Bshows the same clip (56) as FIG. 6A, except that it is in the openposition. This open position exposes the threads on the shaft of the arm(62) that screw into the oppositely oriented threads within the openshaft of the clip. FIG. 6B also shows an alternate locking mechanismcomprising a hollow spring-loaded cylinder (64) that you can pull backas you screw the arm (58) toward the clip (56) and release to attach tothe opposing end of the clip (66), thereby preventing the arm (58) fromopening by rotating perpendicularly to the horizontal axis of the clip(56). The clip shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B allows the loops of theuppers to be quickly released from the sole of the footwear while theloops of the sole can only be easily released by completely unscrewingthe arm of the clip (58).

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate another embodiment of a clip (68) that issimilar to FIG. 3, except that instead of having an arm (34) on a hinge(36), this embodiment has an arm (70) with a smooth post (72) thatslides into an aperture (74) in the clip (68). In FIG. 7A, the clip (68)is shown with a means for locking the clip (46) in the closed position.In FIG. 7B the means for closure is shown as comprised of oppositelyoriented threaded regions on the clip (44) and arm (46); as in FIG. 4,that screw together in a carabiner type fashion; although the clip (68)can be outfitted with a variety of closures.

FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 illustrate a circular design, a rectangulardesign, and a semi circle design respectively of the same clip shown inFIG. 3. It is contemplated that having a variety of possible shapes isdesirable to facilitate the maximum number of possible combinations andstyles achievable when mixing and matching the soles of the footwearwith the clips and uppers of the footwear. It is also contemplated thatthe loops of the soles and uppers of the footwear may be curved and thathaving a curvature in the clip for attaching those loops might bedesirable. While FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 illustrate alternateembodiments of the clip (32) shown in FIG. 3, such alternate shapes canbe applied to any of the clips described in the specification and thosewhich would be apparent to those skilled in the art that may be derivedfrom the clips described in the specification.

FIG. 11A illustrates a closed, and FIG. 11B illustrates an open,configuration of the same embodiment of a clip (76). This embodiment ofthe clip (76) comprises two two-prong arms, with one two-prong arm (80)being adapted with posts (82) that slide into the other two-prong arm(78). When the two two-prong arms are joined they are fastened by alocking mechanism (84) on the posts (82) of the arm (80) that isinserted into the opposing arm (78), thereby concealing such lockingmechanism. Such locking mechanism can be oppositely oriented ridges onthe posts (84) and within the opposing arm that hold the clip (76)closed with pressure and friction, or any other locking mechanismwell-adapted to secure the two arms together. It is contemplated thatthis embodiment of the clip can be made with more than two prongs oneach arm that slide into each other. An advantage of this embodiment ofthe clip is that there can be no moving parts to wear down and become apoint of weakness on the two two-prong arms. This embodiment of the clipcan also be cast and manufactured cheaply as there can be no movingparts which would need to be assembled. Additionally, this embodiment ofthe clip can be opened and closed quickly because the opening andclosing of the clip (76) is accomplished by pulling both sides of theclip apart or pushing both sides of the clip together simultaneouslywith enough force to engage the fastening mechanism, thus little timewould be needed to know if the clip was properly secured in the closedposition.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a three prong clip (86). In thisembodiment the three prong clip (86) has an upper (88) and lower (90)prong adapted to slide through the loops on the upper and sole of thefootwear respectively. The middle prong of the clip (92) is attachedbetween the other two prongs by means of a hinge (94) that allows themiddle prong (92) to swing forward when the clip is inserted through theloops of the upper and sole of the footwear, and to swing back, lockingthe clip in place between the loops of the upper and sole of thefootwear. The locking mechanism can be any mechanism capable of securingthe middle prong (92) to the upper (88) and lower prongs (90). As it isshown, the locking mechanism are snaps (96) located between the upper(88), lower (90), and middle (92) prongs.

FIG. 13 illustrates a hinge and hook clip (98) similar to the clip (32)shown in FIG. 3 except that it comprises an arm (102) connected to ahinge (100) that is attached to the upper end of the clip (106) by ahook (104). The arm of the clip (102) disengages from the upper end ofthe clip (106) by snapping outward over the end of the upper end of theclip (106). This embodiment of the clip (98), is capable of beingmanufactured cheaply without the complexities of the fastening meansillustrated in the other embodiments of the clips shown and may haveaesthetic appeal to some customers.

FIG. 14 illustrates a two-prong clip with decorative closures (108).This embodiment of the clip has an upper prong (110) and a lower prong(112) with outwardly facing hooks on the upper (114) and lower (116)prongs. When the prongs are squeezed together they can be inserted intoa loop (118) that retains the outwardly facing hooks on the upper (114)and lower (116) prongs, holding the loops of the upper and sole of thefootwear in place by an outward tension created by the two prong clip(108). The face of the loop is illustrated as a decorative unit (120).This decorative unit can be mirrored symmetrically on the other side ofthe clip (108) with another similar fixed decorative unit (122).Embodiments of alternate faces for the decorative units are shown as asmiley face (124) and a fish (126) but may be of any design. Thisembodiment of the clip (108) has the advantage of not having any hingesto assemble as well as having an appeal to a consumer with a preferencefor a more decorative clip.

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of a two prong clip (128) that isfixedly attached to the loop on the sole of the footwear by the bottomprong (130), a side portion (132) fixedly attaching the upper (132) andbottom prongs (134), and another side portion (136) capable ofreleasably securing the upper prong (138). The upper prong (138) can bedisengaged from a hook (140) or other means for closure by eitherpressing down on the upper prong (138) or by pressing outward on theside portion capable of releasably securing the upper prong (136), orother means for closure. This embodiment may also be outfitted with ahinge allowing the bottom portion of the side portion capable ofreleasably securing the upper prong (136) for opening the closure withgreater ease. An advantage of this embodiment of the clip (128) is thatit remains attached to the loop on the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a clip with a bar closure (142). Inthis embodiment of the clip there is a bar that creates an enclosure(144) with loops on either end of the bar (146) that can be insertedthrough a loop on the uppers or soles of footwear. When the bar thatcreates an enclosure (144) has been inserted through a loop on the upperor sole of a piece of footwear, another bar that inserts through theloops on the bar that creates the enclosure (148) can then be insertedthrough one of the loops (146) on either side of the bar that creates anenclosure (144), through a loop on the upper or sole of the footwear,then through the other loop on the bar that creates an enclosure (144);thereby attaching the sole of the footwear to the upper. The bar thatinserts through the loops on the bar that creates the enclosure (148) isfixed in place by a retaining knob or other outwardly protrudingstructure on either side of the bar. As shown in the illustration, thebar that inserts through the loops on the bar that creates the enclosure(148) has a fixed knob on the left-hand side (150) and another knob onthe right-hand side of the bar (152) that can be securely attached anddetached from the bar that inserts through the loops on the bar thatcreates the enclosure (148) by use of oppositely threaded regions in theknob (154) and on the bar (156). Any other means known to those skilledin the art for attaching outwardly protruding structures on either sideof the bar that inserts through the loops on the bar that creates theenclosure (148) are contemplated. An advantage of this embodiment of theclip (142) is that force acting on the vertical axis of the clip actsdirectly on the bar that inserts through the loops on the bar thatcreates the enclosure (148), and does not act on a hinge or other meansfor closing the clip; thus greatly increasing the strength of the clip.

FIG. 17 illustrates a circular clip with a hinge and snap closure (158).In this embodiment of a clip (158) two symmetrical half circle arms(160) are attached by a hinge (162) and snap together on their opposingends (164). Both symmetrical sides (160) of the clip (158) are insertedthrough a loop on either an upper or the sole of the footwear therebyattaching the upper and sole of the footwear. Some advantages of thisembodiment of the clip (158) are that it can be cheaply produced andeasily operated. It is contemplated that this embodiment of the clip(158) might be ideal for use in children's shoes.

FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 illustrate an eighteenth embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein upper 124 is attached to sole 120 via a loop and ringarrangement 133. FIG. 18 illustrates this embodiment in a detachedconfiguration, FIG. 19 illustrates this embodiment in an attachedconfiguration, and FIG. 20 illustrates this embodiment in a detachedconfiguration with two of looping attachments 130 closed to form loopsand one in an open, un-looped state. Each loop and ring arrangement 133comprises looping attachment 130 and ring 132. In this embodiment,looping attachments 130 are formed of flexible leather, fabric or thelike and include apparatus to attach the end of looping attachment 130to itself, forming a loop to connect it to ring 132. For example,looping attachment 130 might comprise a snap fastener wherein the malehalf of the snap passes through ring 132 and attaches to the female halfto form a loop capturing ring 132 (or vice versa). In this embodiment,rings 132 are embedded within the material forming upper 124.

FIGS. 21, 22, and 23A-C illustrate a nineteenth embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 21 shows a detached configuration, FIG. 22 showsan attached configuration, and FIGS. 23A-C are detailed side isometricdrawings illustrating the loop and ring connection system of FIGS. 21and 22. FIG. 23A shows the loop and ring arrangement 233 in an attachedconfiguration, FIG. 23B shows looping attachment 230 closed, but notattached to ring 232, and FIG. 23C shows loop and ring arrangement 233in a detached configuration. This embodiment is very similar to theeighteenth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 18-20. However, in thisembodiment, ring 232 is attached to upper 224 rather than being embeddedin it. In this particular embodiment, an extension of the material ofupper forms a channel 228 within which ring 232 is threaded. Forexample, a portion of material may pass through ring 232 and be sewn toitself to form channel 228. Again, looping attachment 230 includes aself connection mechanism such as a snap.

Variations on the embodiments of FIGS. 18-23 fall within the spirit ofthe present invention. For example, looping attachments 130. 230 mightbe attached to sole 120, 220, and rings 132, 232 might be attached touppers 124, 224. A different form of self-attachment besides a snapfastener might be used for looping attachment 230. Ring 232 might beattached by a different means than sewn channel 228.

All patents and publications mentioned or incorporated into thisspecification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the artto which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the invention areillustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific forms orarrangements herein described and shown. It will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various changes may be made without departingfrom the scope of the invention and the invention is not to beconsidered limited to what is shown and described in the specificationand any drawings/figures included herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well-adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain theends and advantage mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Theembodiments, methods, procedures, and techniques described herein arepresently representative of the preferred embodiments; are intended tobe exemplary; and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changestherein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which areencompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by thescope of the claims. Although the invention has been described inconnection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understoodthat the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to suchspecific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the describedmodes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilledin the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

I claim:
 1. An article of footwear comprising: a sole having an uppersurface, an opposed bottom surface, and a perimeter outside edge betweensaid upper and bottom surfaces; at least two selectively fastenablelooping attachments, each of said looping attachments secured to saidsole portion; an upper constructed to enwrap a foot and secure the footto said sole; at least two rings, each of said rings secured to saidupper; wherein each looping attachment includes a mechanism to fastenaround a ring, thereby attaching the sole to the upper.
 2. The articleof footwear of claim 1, wherein selectively fastenable loopingattachments include snap fasteners.
 3. The article of footwear of claim2 wherein the rings are embedded within the material of the upper. 4.The article of footwear of claim 2 wherein the rings are attached to theupper.
 5. The article of footwear of claim 4 wherein the upper formschannels, and wherein each ring is disposed within a channel.
 6. Anarticle of footwear comprising: a sole portion having an upper surface,an opposed bottom surface, and a perimeter outside edge between saidupper and bottom surfaces; at least two loops, each of said loopssecured directly to said sole portion; an upper portion adapted toenwrap a foot and secure the foot to said sole; at least two loops, eachof said loops secured directly to said upper portion; a clip, hook,clasp, or carabineer that attaches to one of said loops on said upperand one of said loops on said sole; said clip, hook, clasp or carabineeradapted to have a means for opening and closing that secures said loopsof said upper and said sole.
 7. The footwear of claim 6, wherein saidclip, hook, clasp, or carabiner has a means for snapping closed.
 8. Thefootwear of claim 6, wherein said clip, hook, clasp, or carabiner has ameans for screwing closed using oppositely oriented threads.
 9. Thefootwear of claim 6, wherein said clip, hook, clasp, or carabiner has ameans for closing with a bar closure.
 10. The footwear of claim 6,wherein said clip, hook, clasp, or carabiner has a hinged arm; saidhinged arm having a means for closure with a hook.
 11. The footwear ofclaim 6, wherein said clip, hook, clasp, or carabiner has two prongs;said two prongs having two hooks; said hooks having a means for creatingan enclosure by attaching to a single loop.
 12. The footwear of claim 6,wherein said clip, hook, clasp, or carabiner has two arms; each armhaving two or more prongs; one of said two arms having a means forsliding said prongs into the prongs of the other said arm.
 13. Thefootwear of claim 12, wherein said prongs that slide together aresecured to each other with pressure and friction.
 14. The footwear ofclaim 6, wherein said clip, hook, clasp, or carabiner has an arm; saidarm having a means for sliding outward from of said clip.
 15. Thefootwear of claim 6, wherein an arm of said clip, hook, clasp, orcarabiner has an arm; said arm having a means for rotating outward fromsaid clip.
 16. The footwear of claim 6, wherein said clip, hook, clasp,or carabiner has three prongs; the middle prong of which has a hinge;the end of the middle prong distal from said hinge having the means forsecuring the loops of the upper(s) and sole of the footwear to the clip.17. The footwear of claim 6, wherein said clip, hook, clasp, orcarabiner has decorative units; said decorative units having said meansfor securing said loops of said upper and said sole in an enclosedposition.
 18. An article of footwear comprising: a sole portion havingan upper surface, an opposed bottom surface, and a perimeter outsideedge between said upper and bottom surfaces; at least two loops, each ofsaid loops secured directly to said sole portion; an upper portionadapted to enwrap a foot and secure the foot to said sole; at least twoloops, each of said loops secured directly to said upper portion; aclip, hook, clasp, or carabineer that attaches to one of said loops onsaid upper and one of said loops on said sole; said clip, hook, clasp orcarabineer forming an enveloping end and an inserting end, said clip,hook, clasp or carabineer constructed and arranged to selectively insertthe inserting end into the enveloping end and to retain the insertingend in the enveloping end.
 19. The footwear of claim 18, wherein saidclip, hook, clasp, or carabiner allows said upper and said sole of saidfootwear to be tightened to said foot by turning said clip, hook, clasp,or carabiner.